Load Planner

Job Details
Job Location
KS Kansas Avenue RTI - KANSAS CITY, KS
Salary Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
Job Category
Transportation
Description
Summary:
The role of the Load Planner is to coordinate utilization of equipment and to ensure a high level of service and cost effective movement of goods for the customer. The environment is fast paced with constantly changing demands and requires on-going attention to customer requirements, balancing of tendered loads with available equipment, and real time communication of service issues with shippers and receivers. The position requires making decision which impact profitability on a constant basis with minimal review and requires a broad range of knowledge of preferred lanes, rates, and equipment availability. Quality sales and customer service skills are required in obtaining business and maintaining relationships with customers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maximize profitability and utilization of equipment within company lane constraints and minimizing deadhead miles & increasing rate per mile.
• Interact with the Customer Service Reps for optimum load selection and communicate any potential issues affecting pickup and/or delivery.
• Maintain communication with Driver Managers and others throughout the company to ensure quality customer service and driver productivity by understanding driver availability, hours of service issues, special requests or any driver constraints such as inability to assist in loading or unloading, or hazardous material issues
• Manage and maintain trailer pools in all areas of responsibility and adjust pools as necessary to provide maximum trailer utilization.
• Communication with Brokers regarding committed loads on any issues regarding broker freight

Qualifications
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision.
• Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.
• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Managing Customer Focus - Promotes customer focus; establishes customer service standards; provides training in customer service delivery; monitors customer satisfaction; develops new approaches to meeting customer needs.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Accountability/Metrics:

• Keep deadhead to lowest percentage possible.
• Plan loads against available equipment to minimize layover time.
• Pre-book freight to insure availability of loads for available equipment.
• Maintain accurate trailer pools.
• Keep CSRs informed on freight offered and not accepted, or any changes to normal shipping patterns.
• Increase rate per total mile

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelors Degree or 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.